Karuna’s move an attempt to revive party’s fortunes

DMK chief M Karunanidhi has the backing of his party over his decision to withdraw support from the UPA government in a bid to force India to press for a stringent resolution before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva

With the issue touching an emotional chord with the youth in Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi sees an opportunity to ride the wave of emotion.

Karunanidhi’s well-calculated move is aimed at distancing his party from the UPA, reeling under charges of corruption and anti-incumbency, while at the same time countering the posturing of his arch rival, TN chief minister Jayalalithaa.

Karunanidhi’s worry has been that, despite revival of his old body Tamil Eeelam Supporters Organisation (TESO) by his son and party treasurer MK Stalin, the AIADMK has been targeting the DMK for the plight of the Sri Lankan Tamils - in the face of the Rajapakse government not delivering on assurances to New Delhi on their rehabilitation.

AIADMK leaders say the DMK failed to take any constructive measures when the war against the Tamil Tigers was at its peak in 2009, when it was in power in Tamil Nadu. At that time, the DMK depended on 35 Congress MLAs for its survival.

In October 2008, when the war against LTTE began, Karunanidhi threatened to pull-out only to be placated by Pranab Mukherjee.

According to DMK sources, Karunanidhi has been exasperated by the attitude of Congress leaders on the issue. A few weeks ago, Stalin camped in Delhi, hoping to meet Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi but returned to Chennai without getting any appointment.

By snapping ties, Karunanidhi has now prepared the DMK to move away from the Congress in Tamil Nadu when the Lok sabha polls are held next year, a DMK leader said.